Anyone get their hands on any of the latest BNSF GEVO's from FVM? (DC, or power Bar variations) It appears from photos they have fixed the size of the logo on the nose (made it bigger) and corrected the orange. Is that true? Looking to add them to the roster but those two issues were deal breakers. Thanks! Mike
The logo on the nose was fixed on the christmas BSNF gevo's. I'm still waisting on my power bar variations. I wonder about the orange. JSL
I picked them up and the orange color is the same as the previous run. The logo on the nose is the wider correct size for these numbers. 7695 has the experimental yellow logo and 7687 has the black logo. Both of these feature the smaller test size nose logo, BNSF ended up making the larger 10' wide logo the standard. The three numbers from the previous run should all have the 10' wide logo instead of the goofed up tiny logo.
The orange on the first run was a deal-breaker for me too. The photos I've seen of the new run appear brighter, but that must be the lighting. I guess I'll pass again, or pick up an undec or two. If it weren't for the paint, I'd be in for half a dozen at least. There's so much to like about these models otherwise. -Gary
Thank guys for the info. That BNSF nose logo is one of the most iconic images on a modern loco. If the orange is still the same, I may just have to break down and get the Kato. I can fix the molded grab ons/cut levers and missing small text details (i.e. warning labels) easier then I can a repaint. I do like the FVM version for creating an all-out detailed model thou.
The orange is the actual color used by BNSF. The apparent difference in final finish is the clear coat used on the prototype.
Kato's version is the ES44AC and also has the incorrect high rear headlight for the BNSF version, FVM is the ES44DC and has the correct low rear headlight. If the correct details and AC or DC version don't matter to you your missing the point.
Well, I think the point of this hobby is we all get to choose what's important to ourselves. I would trade a 'correct' color shade over a correctly-positioned rear headlight any day, though I'd prefer not to have to make that choice. If others choose differently, that's fine. (Granted the Kato AC model has other differences too, and I've not yet gone that route for a DC stand-in.) I concede that color perception is very subjective, so maybe this issue is a big yawn to most. But it kept me from buying more than one FVM unit. Cheers, Gary
My point is there are many details that are wrong on the Kato's but I agree about the orange on the FVM being too dark also, only FVM makes the ES44DC although it's only correct for the 76xx-77xx series.
I agree, Rule # 1 and very hard to argue this point IMO. For me, the molded on details, thick windowframes, and lack of certain details such as correct rear light placement andsilver painted headlight bracket on Katos were deal breakers for me. I’m not a fan of the darker looking FVM BNSF orange but I can live with it. Nothing a little weathering can’t take care of!
I'm with Gary, each to their own in this 'hobby'. Unless we want to start to manufacture this stuff ourselves the best we can do is know what the choices are and make whatever decision based on that. For me the rear headlights are of little value over paint. Front headlights thou, like that NS version are, which is the show stopper on that one. (railings I can fix) I don't mind the pre dulled paint that comes on the FVM, but being too dark is no go. (can't tone up with weathering) Of course all that don't mean sh$# to anyone but that stupid voice in my head.....
Have they gone with white LEDs instead of yellow on this latest run? I mean, KATO fixed the ACes with their clear light tubes...
That would be great if they did. Was there any announcement or thread I may have missed in which Matt/FVM commented on using white LEDs in the GP60Ms?
i'd rather opt for a perfect drive (kato) and add a few details on the shell than have a better shell and a really poor drive (fvm).
Hmmmm, well I don't want to start a war or anything but my experience with both types indicates while Kato is still a head in the drive line its only by a bit. My FVM GEVOs can be a bit picky when comes to track work (which is the most common complaint I've heard since their release) and most guys have rectified this by swapping out some of the wheels with ironically Kato wheel sets (I haven't done this personally). Personally for me this is worth the trade off since detailing a Kato to get to the FVM standard requires quite a bit more work. But Rule #1 still applies. Different strokes for different folks!
I agree with Siligman Sub, My FVM Gevo' drive line is almost as smooth or smoother in some cases than my Katos. One thing I will give Matt is his outstanding customer service. I had one problem that was rectified very quickly. Not the same with Kato some of the time you need to deal with the vendor to deal with any problems. I love the detailing on FVM, but the Kato's are still the pride of my fleet. The same as always if you like it buy it, if you don't, don't. JSL
